Disclaimer: No infringement is intended
in regard to The Magnificent Seven, owned by MGM and Trilogy. No profit is
being made from this activity. Thanks: To J. K. Poffenberger and S Berry, the originators of the
Little Britches Universe, who have kindly opened it for all of us to play.

Vin yelped as his
hair was grabbed and his head was jerked back roughly.

Well, when did you escape your cage brat?

Vin froze at the familiar voice. Barrett. He thought hed escaped the
man when theyd gotten the train west. The hand jerked his head again.

Someones forgotten their manners. I asked you a question.

A heavy hand on his shoulder spun him around then the blow to his cheek sent
him sprawling to the ground. He braced himself for another blow, but the
movement he saw wasnt coming toward him. Instead his tormentor was
thrown against the wall. A hard punch delivered by a black clothed arm sent
Barrett to the ground.

You raise your hand to him again and Ill remove it from the end
of your arm. The voice was chilling, the threat real. Larabee was tempted
to shoot the man but was annoyed to find him unarmed.

Protect him if you want, but hes a thief.

Chris was surprised at the shock and guilt that he saw wash over Vins
face. Whispers from the crowd caused the boy to shrink back against the clapboard
wall of the store. Chris was seething at the situation.

Mister you keep away from him and keep your mouth shut. Vin Tanner
is no thief.

Barrett moved as if to respond only to be confronted by another man. He towered
over him, a blue glare freezing him in place.

Im a great believer in an eye for an eye brother. I believe your
tongue would be due compensation for any more ill spent words. Youd
best consider carefully your next action.

Barrett considered the raging preacher before him and decided a whisky was
his best recourse. Hed allowed himself to be driven by anger in the
surprise of seeing the boy here. Hed dealt with one loose tongued child
and barely escaped. If this one was confident of protection he might talk
as well. Barrett stepped away from the fight.

Josiah nodded his approval at the mans departure and escorted him at
a distance. The stranger was taken care of temporarily, so Chris turned to
the small figure behind him. He knelt down and slowly reached for Vins
shoulders, concerned at the wide blue eyes, swirling with shock and some
other shadowed memories. The red mark across his cheekbone stood out harshly
against the white face.

Vin? You okay?

Vin only nodded, unable to find a voice. Vin swallowed the tears that had
brimmed at the sudden attack and moved closer to his savior. Chris reached
out to the small shoulder, his eyes narrowing as Vin flinched in response.
His anger flamed at the stranger whod caused this.

Vin? Its okay, hes gone. Vin nodded his understanding,
but still held himself stiffly, as if expecting further punishment.

Vin couldnt believe that the Rat was here.

Larabee watched the shadows leave as Vin seemed to return from his shock.
But the blue eyes didnt clear, they just turned dark and infinitely
sad.

Vin looked at the man before him, saddened as he realised that being with
Mr Chris had made him forget his most important rule. Hed forgotten
that he needed to pay attention to what the adults around him were doing.
The Rat shouldnt have been able to surprise him like that. Hed
grown careless.

Vin?

I did steal Mr Chris. I am a thief.

Chris crouched down to look Vin in the eye. Youre no thief.
He ran his fingers lightly across the red mark on Vins cheekbone.
Hed wanted to beat the stranger to a pulp for hurting Vin, but he also
didnt want Vin to witness that sort of violence from him. Hed
speak to Josiah later and see if he could find out anything about the newcomer.

Lets go home Pard. You want to ride back with me?

No Sir. Im fine.

Sir? Chris couldnt remember Vin ever addressing him like that. At least,
not since the first day. Vin was looking past his shoulder, so Chris turned
as well. Some townsfolk were still hovering around. Chris recognised the
regular town gossips and glared at them for their intrusion.

Well I guess we should get our horses then, Chris offered as
he stood up. He kept a comforting hand on Vins shoulder as they moved
of to the livery.

~~~~~~

William Barrett entered the saloon in the hopes
of making some money until the next stage left. Four Corners was no metropolis.
His failing business had left him with only his fast mouth and hands as his
tools of trade. He spotted the gambler at a side table. The local gambler
was not always a safe mark, but in this hick town he should be easy. Certainly
if he was any good he wouldnt still be here.

Standish had seen the newcomer enter and scan the room. The man appeared
to be a salesman. He was dressed in the standard eastern attire. A rather
boring, basic brown ensemble. However, he wasnt carrying the usual
heavy merchants case. He didnt appear to be a man of many means,
so he dismissed him as a possible lucrative player. The newcomer seemed to
have made a different decision as he approached the table.

This table open? Barrett asked.

Ezra inclined his head to the chair opposite, deftly moving the cards from
hand to hand.

A man of commerce in our dusty little town. What manner of costume
or condiment do you ply?

Barrett followed the question easily. He was a man of many words himself
when the need arose.

Fine leather goods, wallets, some fine silks for the gentleman or the
lady.

You will have little success with such items here in Four Corners.

No. My market is further west. The new wealth.

Cards were dealt, the winning of hands very even.

I saw a young lad in the street. He seemed familiar, and I do have
some family in the area.

We have many lads in town. Does he have something distinguishing about
him?

If you call a rather violent, black dressed gentleman with him a
distinguishing mark.

I believe I would. I know the boy. I doubt hes related as hes
not from these parts.

Standish was undecided. He didnt like this mans fishing for
information, but stringing him along could reveal his purpose. Besides, the
man had palmed cards in the last two hands. He needed a few lessons in
gentlemanly conduct.

Perhaps you could look in on your relatives to be sure?

Theyre out of my way on this journey. I shall be leaving again
on tomorrows early stage.

Perhaps you should ask Chris Larabee of the boy.

Hes a relative?

Hes that distinguishing black mark.

Ah, Barrett nodded.

Standish saw no recognition of the Larabee name. Easterners, and certainly
the commercial ones had little interest in gunslingers and the west. They
followed the trail to gold not lead. Ezra easily won the next few hands.
He and Barrett parried questions, each getting no further in useful answers.
Barrett realised hed underestimated his opponents skill at cards.
His winning hands were being trumped, but he couldnt see the gambler
cheating. Annoyed at his failure to get funds or answers, he rose from the
table.

I believe I should return to the hotel. Good day Sir.

Standish accepted the withdrawal and pocketed the deck and the winnings.
He decided hed find Larabee and warn him of their new arrival. He
hadnt been able to rise before the chair beside him was pulled out
and Josiah took a seat. His description of the events added further to
Ezras questions. He decided to keep a watchful eye on the newcomer.

~~~~~~

Vin and Chris arrived back at the ranch where
Vin slipped quickly from Peso and offered to look after both horses. Vin
wanted to avoid the questions that he knew were coming. Staying busy in the
barn was his best option. Chris saw Vins avoidance tactic, but he decided
not to press the issue until after dinner.

Dinner was an unsettled affair. JD had been suspicious of the he
fell excuse that was used to explain Vins bruise. Vin had jumped
in with the explanation and then decorated the tale enough until JD was
satisfied. Chris wasnt sure why, but Vin didnt want to share
the details of the meeting in town with JD. Buck hadnt been satisfied
and Chris had taken him aside later to explain the events.

The two boys helped clear the table after dinner then washed up and prepared
for bed. Chris decided to question Vin now that everyone was settled for
the evening. Buck took JD and tucked him in, quieting his questions with
a long and exciting bed-time story.

Vin took his place at the table. He knew what would be asked, and he knew
he owed this man the truth.

Vin, tell me about the man in town.

Vin turned back to check the boys room. JD had only recently gone to
bed.

Only if JDs asleep. He doesnt know about it.

Well wait for Buck to get him settled. Chris preferred
that they both heard what Vin was going to say. Chris moved to the stove
and poured some milk into a pan to warm. Vin was tense and the waiting was
stretching his nerves. He poured a glass out and returned to the table. Vin
accepted the offering silently, turning back to the boys doorway to
watch for Bucks arrival.

Finally he appeared. Chris waved him over to join the sombre meeting.

JD asleep? Asleep real good? Vin asked quietly.

Hes drifted right off, Vin. Have you been waiting on me?

Vin doesnt want JD to hear, and I thought wed only tell
this once, Chris explained. Okay Vin, how do you know that man
in town?

Vin leaned his elbows on the table and took a breath, releasing it slowly.
He looked down at the scarred tabletop.

The orphanage used to hire us out if we was big enough. Wed do
regular jobs for different folk. Sometimes clearin out coal chutes,
or cleanin in stables.

And the money all went to the orphanage? Buck asked.

Yeah, course. We worked for our keep, once we was big enough.
Vin explained, surprised at the question.

Anyway, I didnt get picked for much of the regular work. I
dont think they thought Id be much good cause I was kinda
skinny. But they eventually decided I was good for somethin. The Rat,
that man in town, he used to come regular. But he wanted the scrawny kids.

The Rat? Do you know his real name? Chris asked.

Barrett. Dont know any other part of his name. He wanted the
skinny kids cause they could get in through the small upper windows.

Buck frowned then he made the connection. He made you break into
peoples homes.

Vin kept his eyes down. Houses, shops, anythin. Dont know
what he took. Wed have to come down and unlock the bottom doors or
windows. Then we left.

Why didnt you tell someone, Chris asked astounded. He knew
Vin understood he was breaking the law, and the boy was basically honest.

Tell who! Vin demanded. Orphanage made us go. You didnt
do your job you got a beatin. I tried, but when I just took the punishment
they started to threaten JD.

Im sorry Vin, I didnt mean to sound like you wanted to
do that, Chris explained. He didnt want to blame Vin. He was
just angry at what Vin had been forced into.

But I didnt do anything to end it. Mickey ended it for us,
Vin added, his voice heavy with guilt.

Chris didnt like the hollow voice and sorrowful eyes before him. What
else was there?

Whos Mickey? he prompted.

Mickey was a little older than me. Barrett used him on a lot of jobs
'cause he was a really good climber. The last job he and I worked together.
Mickey managed to get away that night, but the law brought him back to the
orphanage. They said he was a runaway.

They didnt believe him?

Believe a thievin little runaway, Vin scoffed harshly.
They dumped him right back into Barretts hands. He beat him real
bad.

Yeah. Barrett got real angry with Mickey and laid into him with a cane.
I tried to help but I couldnt do much. He didnt tell Chris
that he couldnt help Mickey because hed been chained. Barrett
hadnt wanted to risk losing another boy, so hed chained him around
the neck, like a dog on a leash.

What happened to Mickey? Chris dared to ask.

He never woke up. He died.

But Barrett didnt go to jail?

Vin shrugged helplessly. Headmaster knew what Barrett did. One less
to feed was all that mattered to him.

Theyll say Im lyin. I heard em in town. Some
of em already think Im a thief just cause he said so.
Vin pushed his chair away from the table. May I go to bed please?

Chris noted the return of the formal manners. Sure Vin.

Let me tuck you in and make sure JDs stays asleep, Buck
offered.

Vin pulled the blankets back and climbed in. Buck pulled them back up and
tucked them snugly around the little figure.

Buck? You promise ta look after JD, not matter what?

Buck swallowed hard at the intense blue stare. He could see the deep fear
that lingered there.

Vin. Vin. Always. But Chris and I will always look after you too. You
close those baby-blues and sleep now. Buck brushed his hand over the
tangled dark blond curls then quietly left the room. He found Chris standing
just outside the door.

And I used to think I had it tough cause I got called a few bad
names. Where all goin fishing tomorrow. I want to hear him laugh.

Chris nodded silently in agreement.

~~~~~~

The offer of a fishing trip was met with cheers
the following morning. Everyone still had morning chores to do, so it was
decided to pack a lunch and spend the afternoon at the river. Buck and Chris
worked the chores, careful to ensure that one of them had the boys in sight.
The two men had discussed Vins revelation late into the evening. The
arrival of Barrett in the town may have been an accident, but the man was
a murderer and hed just seen his witness again.

Their preparations were interrupted as Ezra rode into the yard.

Ezra, youre up early today.

Ezra ignored Larabees jibe at his usual morning habits. It was still
before noon but his purpose had seemed urgent.

Josiah informed me of the altercation in town between you and Barrett.
How is Vin faring?

Hes a little bruised. He told us the history behind this. I think
weve got a problem. Chris then repeated to Ezra what Vin had
told them last night.

Vin would not have a chance in the judicial system Mr Larabee. He would
also have to admit to assisting in criminal activities.

I know that Ezra. But there should be justice. I still want to talk
to the Judge.

He wont be back until next week. This man would be prudent to
silence a witness.

Chris glared at the gambler whod voiced so plainly his own fear. Ezra
ignored the response, knowing it was aimed at the situation, not himself.

"I think Vin knows what could happen. Vin asked Buck to look after JD for
him. He saw that it disturbed Standish as much as it had both he and
Buck. I dont want to worry them too much, but well keep
an eye on them.

Where are you off to? Ezra asked of the preparations going on
near the barn.

Just some fishing. Youre welcome to join, Chris asked,
but knowing the gambler would decline.

Hardly Mr Larabee. I catch far more by sitting in the comfort of the
saloon and casting cards. Barrett left town, but he rented a horse rather
than taking the stage, Ezra warned him. Take care. He bid
them farewell and headed back to town considering what else could be done
about the situation. Perhaps he could find out some further information.
There were many paths to justice.

The boys were disappointed that Ezra didnt stay to fish. Their chores
were finished and lunch and the fishing gear were packed. The group arrived
right on time at their fishing spot. It was just a short stretch in the river
where the banks widened and the riverbed deepened. The water slowed its ripples
into a smooth expanse. The trees, which bordered the river sat gracefully
back to provide a even grassy clearing and access to the sandy bank.

The boys ran to the edge quickly to vie for the best spot while the adults
unpacked the food. The boy's fishing tackle actually consisted of lines and
some wire hooks, but the young fishing enthusiasts werent particular.
Chris and Buck left them to it and started a small fire for coffee. An afternoon
off together was a rare treat. Chris noticed Vin working intently over his
line and walked over to check on him. He found the boy fighting with a tangle
of knots, trying to undo the mess with his fingers and teeth.

Try this, Chris offered, handing Vin his small pocketknife.

Vin took it carefully and unfolded the blade. The knife was old but sharp,
as it cut easily through the knots. He folded it closed again and handed
it back to Chris.

No. You hold on to it in case you get any more tangles. Just be
careful, Chris warned as he head back to the coffeepot.

JD was soon distracted by the dragonflies and other insects and dropped his
tackle to chase the small invaders. Vin continued on, happy to sit quietly
and watch the line drift. So far only two small fish had been caught. It
was more of a snack than a meal. Chris moved over to the river's edge, settled
down by Vin and picked up JDs discarded line. He looked down at the
two small fish and met Vins eyes. Vin nodded silent agreement. Two
more fish at least. The two sat in happy silence, ignoring squeals from JD
where Buck was chasing him through the underbrush.

You two caught us something yet? Buck called, dangling a giggling
five year old over his shoulder.

The quiet fishermen had actually extended their pile to six fish.

We caught em, you clean em Buck! Chris replied. Come
on Vin, the children have been playing all afternoon, so they can do the
cleaning and cooking. He was reward with a bright grin.

"So we get to sit back with a shot of whiskey? Vin tried hopefully.

Buck covered a laugh with a short cough. Yeah, a shot of red-eye all
round pard!

You might get a coffee, but no whiskey, Chris informed him.

Vin rolled his eyes, then laughed as he saw Buck mocking Chriss serious
look. Vin then bit his lip and smothered any further giggles as Chris spun
around to glare at Buck.

Okay, coffee. As long as ya brought lots of sugar. Chris made
up the vile mix for Vin. Vins version of coffee required it to be heavily
sugared and lots of milk. They hadnt brought milk on the picnic, so
Vin sipped it carefully before deciding to compensate with further sugar.

Buck soon had the fish cleaned and frying on a hot plate. JD hadnt
been able to contribute much to the cooking. He was far too distracted by
the interesting pile of fish guts that had been removed from his dinner before
its cooking.

Leave that alone JD, Buck called as the boy continued to poke
about in the sticky pile. Im not cleaning him up! Buck
warned Chris. Im cooking. The least you could do is get him out
of the guts Chris.

Chris obligingly got both boys cleaned up for the meal. It was best not to
rile Buck too much when he was in charge of food. Bucks cooking was
actually quite good, as long as you didnt distract him.

It had certainly been a good break to go fishing mid-week. JD had fallen
asleep on Buck, and even Vin was napping lightly under a tree. Chris hated
to disturb them, but it was getting late and they needed to get back. Vin
woke at the sounds of Chriss preparations to break camp. Buck easily
stood, still holding the sleeping JD. JD wasnt even disturbed at being
passed back to Chris as Buck mounted up and then he was resettled in the
front of Bucks saddle. Chris had already packed everything and prepared
the horses, so he and Vin just had to mount up and head home.

~~~~~~

JD cracked his eyes open at the movement of his
pillow. He was confronted by the disgruntled face of his older cousin in
the dim pre-dawn light.

Whatcha doin Vin?

Shh! Vin was rubbing the shin hed banged in the darkness,
causing him to stumble onto JDs bed. Jus gotta go out early.
Ill be back in time for breakfast.

Where ya goin? Can I come?

No. I gotta be quick. Im goin back to the river where we
were fishin. I left the knife Mr Chris gave me.

But Vin 

No. Just go back to sleep. Ill be back before anyone notices.
Mr Chris had given him the little fold up knife and told him to be careful.
He didnt want Mr Chris to think he didnt listen to him. Hed
get it back before anyone knew hed lost it.

Vin moved carefully to the front door and picked up his boots, waiting until
hed slipped through and was at the barn before stopping to pull them
on. He wanted to move quietly and the river was close so he ignored the saddle
and led Peso out near the corral. He climbed the rails and pulled himself
on to Pesos bare back. He rode slowly from the yard, desperate to avoid
waking anyone else.

Barrett had been watching the ranch, considering a plan to silence the boy,
but hed rarely been from the sight of the man in black. A call of nature
in the early hours of the morning had provided him the perfect opportunity.
He watched as his target headed off alone on horseback. Gathering his belongings
quickly, he saddled his horse and headed after the distant figure. Barrett
had considered his options. He didnt need a body to be found. He just
needed the brat to disappear, just another runaway.

~~~~~~

Vin reached the river quickly and searched around
for the small knife. He didnt want Mr Chris to think he was careless.
Peso snorted and stomped restlessly drawing Vins attention to the side
of the clearing. The man burst forward as Vin turned to run. Vin was crushed
to the ground in a tackle, then dragged to his feet while his lungs still
labored for breath. He saw the face of the Rat before him and lashed out
with all his anger and fear, kicking and punching wildly. A fist crashed
into the side of his head, snapping him sideways. He was dragged to his feet
and shoved up against a tree, one hand pushed hard against the center of
his chest, and the other gripping under his jaw, where the fingers dug deeply
into the sides of his face. He clawed at the hands as he was pinned there,
shoved up so high his feet barely touched the ground.

I got no problem killing you now brat, but I dont want blood
and I dont want to tote a dead body up the hill. He tossed Vin
to the ground, where the boy lay gasping. Figured you might get a little
loose tongued now that youve got yourself a protector.

Vin shook his head in denial.

Well now youre going to be just another runaway.

Hell come. Vin spat defiantly, sure of the man who would
save him.

In time to find your body brat. Right where you fell over the cliff.

Barrett went to reach for the rope hed brought on his hired horse.
In the moment of inattention, Vin broke away and tried to escape toward Peso.
But without a saddle he couldnt mount him fast enough, so he dodged
and continued to run.

Barrett mounted up and gave chase from horseback. He was too large to run
down a young boy himself. Barrett easily caught up when the trees began to
thin. He had nothing to trap Vin with so he swept by closely and lashed out
with a booted foot, kicking Vin hard in the back of his shoulder.

Vin had heard and felt the thundering hoof beats. He even thought he felt
the hot breath from the horse in his frantic race. He tried to dodge and
weave, but the land was against him as the ground leveled out and the trees
thinned. He turned to try for the river when he was slammed to the ground.
He lay stunned for a moment until the deep throbbing pain in his shoulder
made itself known. He knew he was caught, but scrambled to his hands and
knees, ignoring the cuts and scrapes gathering on his exposed arms. A hand
in his hair dragged him to his feet, tears stinging his eyes from the sharp
pain in his scalp.

If youre so keen to run boy, then I can help you there,
Barrett laughed as he looped the rope over Vins wrists and knotted
them tightly. He then mounted up and set his horse moving. Vin was jerked
forward, his shoulder screaming at the sudden movement. Vin suddenly realised
his predicament and stumbled along quickly, terrified of being dragged.